Gastric Plication & Gastric Sleeve are newer on the weight loss surgery scene relative to the hopefully being put to rest gastric band and gastric bypass.Gastric Plication decreases the size of the stomach without removing any of the stomach or implanting foreign devices such as a band. Gastric Plication decreases the volume of the stomach by folding the stomach inwardly and suturing, thereby reducing the amount of food consumed for satiety. The many mystical functions of the stomach are preserved by avoiding gastric resection (removing any).The traditional gastric sleeve, also known as the Sleeve Gastrectomy cuts away up to 50% of the stomach. Much of the ability of the stomach to produce the hormone ghrelin is removed, thereby reducing the hunger signals sent to the brain.Both the traditional, more available gastric plication and gastric sleeve do have complications. Leakage, infection around the staples and sometimes another operation is required to insert a drainage tube. Some studies report staple leakage up to 20% - know the success data for your chosen facility! Leakage can lead to an abdominal abscess.Over eating can lead to the stomach stretching - ie - allowing weight gain over time, or an urge to vomit - because of the severely restricted stomach in the gastric sleeve procedure. Remember, eating is a behavior based on many complex drives & possibly addictions - just getting weight loss surgery does not solve the obesity crisis - therefore, behavioral support to address eating behaviors will greatly improve chances for a successful surgery. Over eating can be even more dangerous with a weight loss surgical procedure. The eating habits do not disappear with obesity surgery.Smoking can exacerbate these complications, so it is strongly advisable to quit smoking - a sound health decision as always!A newer, combination of the above two procedures is now available - however the availability is very limited - very few (5) surgeons worldwide are trained in this technique. This stomach sleeve operation does not remove any of the stomach, there is a folding, however there are no staples to cause leakage. Computer calibration is used to design the perfect curvature for each patient. These surgeons are getting the very lowest complication rate of all bariatric surgical procedures, and the fat loss results are matching that of the gastric bypass. Diabetes can also be reversed with this procedure.Because no part of the stomach is removed, malabsorption is much less of a threat, muscle wasting & neurotransmitter issues are minimized.The really wonderful part - the procedure is no more expensive than other procedures, it is a small fraction of the cost of having far inferior bariatric surgical procedures in most countries.Shira Litwack, Medical Fitness Professional... proud creator of thousands of health enthusiasts & corporate health cultures world wide...Weight Loss Surgery Advisor, Lifestyle & Weight Management Health Coach, Fitness & Nutrition for chronic illness recoveryRadio Talk Show Host/Producer bestinhealthradio
